This is one hell of a chance for Everton.
When the draw was done for the 5th round supporters were a little disheartened however now they will be feeling very upbeat.
Tottenham have fallen off a cliff whilst Everton are still climbing and will be believing they can reach the very top.
A win to progress to the next round will only heighten the hope that manager Carlo Ancelotti can end the miserable run without a trophy and he certainly knows how important it is to the supporters.
In his press conference for the game Ancelotti showed his ambition saying: “I know how Evertonians are desperate to win trophies. We are working on this.
“What I can assure you is that we are doing everything to have a trophy here as soon as possible.”
It would be a monstrous achievement to win a trophy in his first full season at Everton and it would emphasise why he has the status as one of the best managers in the world.
It was a great response in the second half against Manchester United and then to go behind again but to not throw the towel in is testament to how Ancelotti has changed the mentality of the club.
Just like after the Newcastle defeat, the response was a fantastic win at Leeds United.
For this game though Everton need to build on their impressive attacking performance in the second half at Old Trafford especially due to the manager they are coming up against.
Jose Mourinho, the pantomime villain of football.
He was meant to be back at the start of the season and with the way Tottenham were playing no one could argue otherwise.
But now they can because Tottenham are now miles away from the title conversation and are playing some dreadful football where they wait to concede before trying to take the game to the opposition.
Ancelotti and his coaching staff will certainly recognise that with them expecting good attacking intent again just like on Saturday.
The Italian claimed that they tried to play an ‘open game’ against Manchester United and did not think just about defending.
It was evident especially with James Rodriguez in the middle that when on the front foot Everton are a huge threat.
Whether the Colombian will be fit enough to start remains to be seen though as he has struggled all season with injury problems and will have a late fitness check.
The same applies to Jordan Pickford who has missed the last two games with Robin Olsen stepping in and playing out of his skin against Leeds but then did make an error against The Red Devils.
Olsen though looks likely to be joining on a permanent deal in the summer meaning Pickford’s place could be under threat for even longer.
Unfortunately, Allan is not available yet again even though he was back in training last week.
For Tottenham there will be no chance for Giovani Lo Celso and Sergio Reguilon Jose Mourinho confirmed.
Mourinho also doubts that Serge Aurier will be involved but that is not confirmed whilst Harry Kane does not have any new injury problems after returning and scoring against West Brom.
Two managers striving to win their first trophy for the clubs they are in charge of, in a cup game which must finish on the night.
Should be a belter.
Written by Elliot Thompson
